Behavior of Double-Tee Flange Connectors Subjected to In-Plane Monotonic and Reversed Cyclic Loads

Abstract

The results of an experimental investigation to study the behavior of seven mechanical connectors used in 2 and 4 in. (51 and 102 mm) thick double-tee flanges are presented. The study included five connectors commonly used in practice and two new or modified designs. A total of 95 connector tests were conducted under a variety of loading and support conditions with both monotonic and cyclic reversing in-plane shear. The data show that the strength, stiffness, and deformation capacity of connectors vary widely depending on the constraint and loading conditions, which makes analytical prediction of behavior very difficult. Based on the measured response and observed behavior, the performance of each connector is discussed based on serviceability, failure mode, and deformation capacity. Two connectors, a bent wing made of a bent strap of steel and a Vector®, provided the most dependable behavior in terms of strength and deformation capacity.